Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2022
The Wine
The Nicasia Vineyard sits at 1,095 meters above sea level in Altamira in the La Consulta District of Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina). It has very shallow loamy topsoil with surface gravel. The gravelly dry river bed subsoils provide optimal drainage.
This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration (whole cluster) of 3-12 days at less than 10ºC) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 18-25 days with a total maceration of approximately 23-29 days. It is refined for 16-21 months in French Oak second used barrels.
The 2022 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was sourced from Paraje Altamira and aged for up to 21 months in oak barrels. Aromas of violets and lavender blend with cassis and intense blue fruit notes. Delicate yet juicy with a plush texture, it shows fine oak integration. It's precise in its fruit expression, finishing long with refined structure and a polished impression. The fresh, dry 2022 vintage lends additional nuance to this delicious wine. Compared to Catena Zapata’s single vineyard wines, Nicasia typically receives less attention, but this is a distinctive, captivating Malbec in and of itself.
97 Pts Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous 'This is concentrated, with dense dark fruit. The nose shows blue fruit, tar and tapenade. The palate is juicy and medium- to full-bodied, with delineated concentration, dark fruit flavors and voluminous presence balanced by precise tannins. Drink now.'
The Details
Variety - Malbec
Country - Argentine
Region - Uco Valley, Mendoza
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Nicola Cantena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902 and today the estate is run by Nicholás Cantena and his daughter Laura. Malbec continues to be the estate's focus and the winery's pristine vineyards lie at the base of the Andes on soils of sand, lime and stone at altitudes between 920 and 1120 metres above sea level. Over the last 20 years, the fastidious vineyard work of Nicholas and Laura has paid dividends and Catena Zapata is now one of Argentina's most famous estates. Lush, beautifully crafted wines are what you can expect for Catena Zapata.
